Experience An Underground Close-Up Magic Show in NYC's East Village
Only 20 seats. Magic That Reveals The Illusions We Believe. Artist-Run & Independent.
Urban Illusion (noun): A systemic lie, embedded in modern life, that we accept as truth - without questioning it.
Urban Illusion (noun): A systemic lie, embedded in modern life, that we accept as truth - without questioning it.
The Show
Urban Illusions is a surreal close up magic show in New York City created by Hayden Childress.
Urban Illusions blends sleight of hand magic, analog nostalgia, psychological manipulation, and surreal theatricality. It’s part magic, part memory glitch, part social commentary, and part – something else.
Quick Show Facts
- 20 seats – Tickets start at $95
- Artist-Run & Independent
- No overpriced cocktails.
- Approximately 90 minutes
- Sleight of Hand Magic and Mentalism – Raw, Real, and Honest.
Questions? Send us a message at info@urbanillusionsnyc.com
The Venue
Hidden in plain sight, this underground space seats 20 guests. Black walls. TV static.
“I built everything from hand – the shelves are crooked, the artwork is hand painted. The props are both garbage and sacred. You’re not stepping into a classic magic theater. You’re entering a dream.” -Hayden
95 E 7th Street, BSMT, New York, NY 10009
The Magician
Hayden Childress
Hayden Childress is a New York City based magician, mentalist, and conceptual artist. Hayden blurs the lines between magic show, social experiment, and DIY theatre.
Hayden has appeared on shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us, has commissioned private performances for organizations such as Google, celebrity VIP close-up performances at The Super Bowl…
…But his obsession is Urban Illusions
Reviews
Discover what others have to say about Urban Illusions.
Reality is what you perceive. Are you the deceiver? Or are you the deceived?
Questions?
We keep it small on purpose. Urban Illusions is designed to be up close, personal, and real – every seat is close to the action. Think of it like a house show for art and magic – not a stage show with binoculars.
We sell bottled water at the door.
Urban Illusions is recommended for ages 18+.
85 minutes with no intermission. It builds gradually and ends hard. Try to stay present.
Because it’s a magic show born from modern life: surveillance, capitalism, algorithms, nostalgia, optimization culture. The show isn’t just about deception – it’s about how we live inside of illusions every day.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. We love hosting curious, creative groups: startup weirdos, indie teams, or offbeat parties. If your crew is into immersive, analog, mind-bending stuff, feel free to reach out.
Tell us a little more about your group – info@urbanillusionsnyc.com
All ticket sales are final. Please ensure you purchase tickets for the correct date/time.